Elysium black diamond rings are just that--SOLID DIAMOND. Diamond is the hardest material on earth, rated a 10 on the Mohs scale. It is at least four times harder than ceramic. Diamond cannot be scratched, except by other diamond. Elysium is about 10% harder than natural occurring diamond. This means that Elysium diamond rings can be worn for a lifetime and never be scratched unless exposed to another source of diamond material. They are the hardest, most scratch-resistant rings available on earth.